AFSPA is a symbol of oppression and an object of hate, said Asaduddin Owaisi MP on Monday in Parliament, a day after more than a dozen villagers were shot and killed by soldiers in Nagaland.

14 civilians were killed in open firing by the Indian Army in Nagaland’s Oting village on Saturday. 

The AFSPA is a draconian law that gives Indian soldiers impunity in battling insurgencies in northeastern India and Kashmir Valley.

The law allows Indian forces to open fire to maintain public order in areas designated as “disturbed areas.”

The battle against the law is a long, bitter one. 

“AFSPA has to be removed from the northeast and Kashmir. There cannot be such impunity for crimes against citizens in a democratic society,” Owaisi further said.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma also demanded the removal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act or AFSPA.